Jack Dempsey (June 24, 1895-May 31, 1983)
Background: Born in Manassa, Colorado, Jack Dempsey often moved around with his family due to employment opportunities. Though attending to school, Dempsey dropped out during the eighth grade in order to work full time to provide for his family. In the six years after his education, Dempsey moved around from mining towns fighting in minor bouts against workers. Dempsey's career breakthrough came when his older brother prizefighter, Bernie Dempsey, did not feel well to fight a match so Jack filled in and defeated the man. Thus he received massive spotlight and fame and fought many well-known boxers winning the championship within a year. Dempsey held the title for ten years before losing to Gene Tunney twice. After these defeats, Dempsey retired moving on to promoting the sport of boxing. Dempsey died from heart failure on May 31, 1983. Debut: 1917 Years he fought: 10 years Stance: Orthodox Division: Heavyweight Stats: Wins: 54 (KO 44) Losses: 6 (KO 1) Draws 9 Rounds boxed 283 Newspaper Decisions won 4 Newspaper Decisions lost : 0 Newspaper Decisions draws 2 Total Bouts 75 KO% 58.67 Major Accomplishments/Records:Heavyweight Champion for 10 years Inducted into World Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 1990 |